Menu

Jeremiah 48:40

Jeremiah 48:40 in Multiple Translations

For this is what the LORD says: “Behold, an eagle swoops down and spreads his wings against Moab.

For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.

For thus saith Jehovah: Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread out his wings against Moab.

For the Lord has said, See, he will come like an eagle in flight, stretching out his wings against Moab.

This is what the Lord says: Watch as an enemy like an eagle swoops down, spreading its wings as it attacks Moab.

For thus saith the Lord, Beholde, he shall flee as an eagle, and shall spread his wings ouer Moab.

For thus said Jehovah: Lo, as an eagle he doth flee, And hath spread his wings unto Moab.

For the LORD says: “Behold, he will fly as an eagle, and will spread out his wings against Moab.

For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.

Thus saith the Lord: Behold he shall fly as an eagle, and shall stretch forth his wings to Moab.

This is what I, Yahweh, say: ‘Look! Their enemies will be swooping/rushing down over Moab like an eagle [SIM] swoops down to seize an animal.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 48:40

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 48:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּי כֹה֙ אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה הִנֵּ֥ה כַ/נֶּ֖שֶׁר יִדְאֶ֑ה וּ/פָרַ֥שׂ כְּנָפָ֖י/ו אֶל מוֹאָֽב
כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj
כֹה֙ kôh H3541 thus Adv
אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part
כַ/נֶּ֖שֶׁר nesher H5404 eagle Prep | N-ms
יִדְאֶ֑ה dâʼâh H1675 to fly V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וּ/פָרַ֥שׂ pâras H6566 to spread Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כְּנָפָ֖י/ו kânâph H3671 wing N-fp | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
מוֹאָֽב Môwʼâb H4124 Moab N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 48:40

כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כֹה֙ kôh H3541 "thus" Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
כַ/נֶּ֖שֶׁר nesher H5404 "eagle" Prep | N-ms
An eagle or other large bird of prey, representing strength and agility. In the Bible, eagles are often used to describe God's care and protection, as seen in Psalm 91 and Matthew 24.
Definition: eagle, vulture, griffon-vulture Aramaic equivalent: ne.shar (נְשַׁר "eagle" H5403)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: eagle. See also: Exodus 19:4; Jeremiah 4:13; Psalms 103:5.
יִדְאֶ֑ה dâʼâh H1675 "to fly" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to fly swiftly, like darting through the air. It is used in the Bible to describe fast movement. The KJV translates it as fly.
Definition: 1) to fly fast, fly swiftly, dart through the air 1a) (Qal) to fly swiftly, dart
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: fly. See also: Deuteronomy 28:49; Jeremiah 48:40; Psalms 18:11.
וּ/פָרַ֥שׂ pâras H6566 "to spread" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
כְּנָפָ֖י/ו kânâph H3671 "wing" N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מוֹאָֽב Môwʼâb H4124 "Moab" N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 48:40

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 8:8 It will pour into Judah, swirling and sweeping over it, reaching up to the neck; its spreading streams will cover your entire land, O Immanuel!
2 Deuteronomy 28:49 The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand,
3 Jeremiah 49:22 Look! An eagle will soar and swoop down, spreading its wings over Bozrah. In that day the hearts of Edom’s mighty men will be like the heart of a woman in labor.
4 Ezekiel 17:3 and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers of many colors, came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar.
5 Hosea 8:1 Put the ram’s horn to your lips! An eagle looms over the house of the LORD, because the people have transgressed My covenant and rebelled against My law.
6 Lamentations 4:19 Those who chased us were swifter than the eagles in the sky; they pursued us over the mountains and ambushed us in the wilderness.
7 Habakkuk 1:8 Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour.
8 Daniel 7:4 The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and given the mind of a man.
9 Jeremiah 4:13 Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!

Jeremiah 48:40 Summary

This verse in Jeremiah 48:40 tells us that God is sending a powerful nation, represented by an eagle, to judge Moab for its pride and arrogance against Him. Just like an eagle swiftly swoops down on its prey, God's judgment will come quickly and unexpectedly, as seen in other parts of the Bible like Isaiah 46:11. The eagle spreading its wings signifies the comprehensive and overwhelming nature of God's judgment, similar to the way God describes His care for His people in Matthew 13:31-32, where a mustard seed grows into a tree with spreading branches. This teaches us to always be humble and fear the Lord, recognizing His power and sovereignty over all nations, as stated in Psalm 103:19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the eagle represent in Jeremiah 48:40?

The eagle in Jeremiah 48:40 represents a powerful and swift nation that will attack Moab, much like the eagle in Ezekiel 17:3, which symbolized the Babylonian Empire, bringing judgment from God.

Why is Moab being judged by God?

Moab is being judged because of its pride and arrogance against the Lord, as stated in Jeremiah 48:42, similar to the pride that led to the downfall of other nations, such as Babylon in Daniel 4:37.

What is the significance of the eagle swooping down and spreading its wings?

The eagle swooping down and spreading its wings against Moab signifies the swift and overwhelming nature of God's judgment, much like the description of God's judgment in Isaiah 46:11, where He calls a bird of prey from the east to execute His plans.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Jeremiah?

This verse is part of Jeremiah's prophecies against the nations, specifically Moab, highlighting God's sovereignty and judgment over all nations, as seen in Jeremiah 1:10, where God appoints Jeremiah to prophesy over nations and kingdoms.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the consequences of turning against God, as seen in Moab's example, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
  2. How does the image of the eagle swooping down impact your understanding of God's power and judgment, and what does it mean for your personal faith?
  3. In what ways can we, like Moab, become proud or arrogant against God, and how can we humble ourselves before Him, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:6?
  4. What does this verse teach us about the importance of reverence and fear of the Lord, as emphasized in Proverbs 1:7, and how can we cultivate this in our daily lives?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 48:40

For thus saith the Lord, behold, he shall fly as an eagle,.... The enemy, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, with his army; who is compared to an eagle for his strength, swiftness, and greediness after

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 48:40

For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab. He shall fly as an eagle. "He" - i:e., Nebuzaradan, the captain of Nebuchadnezzar.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:40

Nebuchadnezzar shall come upon Moab swiftly; and as an eagle covereth the prey which he hath taken with his wings, so Nebuchadnezzar shall spread himself over Moab.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:40

Jeremiah 48:40 For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.Ver. 40. Behold, he shall fly as an eagle.] To an eagle Nebuchadnezzar is compared, for his strength, swiftness, and ravenousness.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:40

(40) He shall fly as an eagle . . .—The image, as in Deuteronomy 28:49; Isaiah 46:11; Ezekiel 17:3, was the natural symbol of a fierce invader, probably, in this case, of Nebuchadnezzar. Here it receives a fresh vividness from the previous comparison of Moab to the dove that had its nest in the clefts of the rock. The verse is reproduced in Jeremiah 49:22, in reference to Edom.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:40

Verse 40. He shall fly as an eagle] The enemy will pounce upon him, carry him off, and tear him to pieces.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 48:40

40, 41. The LXX omit “Behold … Moab” (Jeremiah 48:40) and “and the heart … pangs” (Jeremiah 48:41). Both are probably glosses in MT. supplied from Jeremiah 49:22, with change of names.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 48:40

The rapid and irresistible attack of Nebuchadnezzar is compared to the impetuous dash of the eagle on its prey Deuteronomy 28:49.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:40

40. He (Nebuchadrezzar) shall fly as an eagle — So strong and swift shall be his coming.

Sermons on Jeremiah 48:40

SermonDescription
Steve Gallagher The Folly of Ahaz by Steve Gallagher In this sermon, the speaker discusses the historical context of the reign of King Ahaz and the events that occurred during a 16-year period. He emphasizes the importance of underst
Chuck Missler Hosea #5 Ch. 7-8 Jesus Christ on Every Page by Chuck Missler In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline in biblical knowledge and understanding in society. He then focuses on Hosea chapter 8, specifically verses 13 and 14. The speaker
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 1 Corinthians 14 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of order and understanding in the church. He uses a personal anecdote to illustrate the need for clarity in interpreting biblic
Ian Paisley The Shouting Pulpit and the Shaking Pews by Ian Paisley In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the decline of a once thriving church in Birmingham, UK. The church, which had a rich history of faithful preachers, now has only four memb
Keith Daniel The Moral Decline of Society by Keith Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the truth of God's Word, even in the face of persecution and societal opposition. It warns against being deceived by false
A.W. Tozer Living That Grieves the Spirit by A.W. Tozer James urges believers to experience deep sorrow and wretchedness over their sins, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and inner penitence rather than external ascetic pract

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate